Around 830 million people globally are living with diabetes, as per WHO. This is a stark reminder that the global diabetes crisis is more serious than ever. For many of us, diabetes immediately brings the thought of cutting on sugary treats. However, high blood sugar is often caused by systemic problems, and insulin resistance is one such underlying cause. In this condition, the body's cells stop responding to insulin and glucose piles up in the bloodstream. Recognizing what actually causes and fuels insulin resistance makes prevention and reversal far more doable than simply 'cutting sugar'.

According to gastroenterologist Dr. Pal, insulin resistance is not simply caused by eating sugar but by a combination of factors. He says, 'Sugar is just one piece of the puzzle'. While sugar reduction plays a crucial role, focusing merely on it misses the other lifestyle and metabolic triggers that drive the condition. Below are five often-overlooked triggers that are linked to insulin resistance as per experts and research.